If property is at risk of damage at this time, below are some tips from one of our insurer partners, Zurich Insurance, to help keep you safe and reduce loss to property and possessions;

• Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences - if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side.
• Remember that felt flat roofs only have a limited life expectancy and they need to be regularly checked.
• It is unlikely that contractors will be able to carry out any repairs until the weather conditions improve and they will only be able to work in daylight.
• If there is considerable damage in any particular region there may be a shortage of building contractors so it may take a little while before an emergency contractor can be provided by us.
• Carry out any temporary repairs to prevent further damage but don't put yourself at risk, and make sure you keep any receipts or invoices for work carried out. However, don't use your own tradesman for full repairs unless you have been advised by Zurich to do so.

Do

• Make every effort, where practical, to ensure any moveable objects located in your garden or in and around the outside of your home (for example: garden furniture, rubbish bins, ornaments) are secure or stored away.
• Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30 degrees.
• Enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you.
• Ensure that any slipped/cracked slates and tiles are fixed or replaced as soon as possible.
• Look out for cracked or loose cement around ridge tiles or chimneys and get them repaired. Replace any brickwork and fill cracks in rendering.
• Try and park your vehicle in a garage, but if this is not feasible, try and leave it in a sheltered area away from trees or other objects which could be susceptible to the effects of the storm.

Do not

• Go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress.
• Walk too close to walls, buildings and trees as they could have been weakened.

Helpful Links

• The Met Office: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast.
• If you smell gas, call the gas emergency number on 0800 111 999 https://www.nationalgridgas.com/safety-and-emergencies/emergencies-and-safety-advice